Why do you need a face moisturiser?

January 05th 2018

It sounds like the most basic of beauty questions, but since age, skin type and even the time of year can all significantly affect your complexion, what moisturiser you use makes all the difference to your complexion. Read on to find out how to pick the right one for your needs.

Why do you need a face moisturiser?

What is the difference between a face and body moisturiser?

The skin on your face has different concerns from that on your body. Our face tends to be more exposed than elsewhere on our body, making it more prone to damaging external factors, such as UV damage and pollution. As a result, our faces tend to be first in the queue when it comes to visible signs of ageing and need extra layers of protection in the form of UV protection, anti-oxidants and hydrating ingredients. Skin on our bodies is more resilient, so body moisturizers, are often thicker in texture and feature perfumes or other fragrances.

Why do you need a face moisturiser?

Facial skin is among the thinnest on the body, with the most delicate part of the face - the under-eye area - averaging just 0.5mm in thickness. What’s more, the face lacks the fat deposits found on other parts of the body, such as the thighs and upper arms, making it much more prone to dryness. This means that when compared to other areas of the body, the face is among the first to show visible signs of ageing. Dehydrated skin has a reduced barrier function so keeping it hydrated is one of the best things you can do when looking to ensure its long-term future

When and how to moisturise your face

When it comes to how you should be moisturising your face, several factors come into play.

Age

Generally speaking, our epidermis tends to be at its thickest when we’re in our teens and twenties.. Increased oil production at this age often results in imperfections and, occasionally, acne. To fight this, people with oily skin types should opt for moisturisers with lightweight textures, that won’t block pores. Equally, as skin thins with age, its ability to retain moisture falls dramatically. Hydrated skin is less likely to show the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, so choosing a day cream enriched with hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, is key to reducing visible signs of ageing, while guarding against further exposome-related (environmental) damage.

Skin type

When choosing a moisturiser, it’s important to understand your skin type as well as your skin age. Firstly it’s important to establish whether your skin is dry, oily or a combination of both of these. Dry skin will need richer a moisturiser but Just because skin is oily or combination, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t still keep skin hydrated (stripping your skin of essential oils with astringent cleansers, for example, can encourage it to produce more sebum). Those with sensitive and itchy skin need to also opt for hypoallergenic products designed not to irritate delicate skin.

Season / time of year

Summertime heat can often cause skin to appear more shiny and greasy. This is because heat has a naturally stimulating effect, causing more secretions from oil glands. This is the skin’s defence mechanism as more sebum creates an extra physical barrier over skin to protect it from the sun. However this can often result in increased blemishes and imperfections. Even if your complexion is feeling greasier than usual, this doesn’t mean that you should forget about keeping skin moisturised! Look for lighter formulations that are also cooling to the skin such as Vichy’s Minéral 89, which thanks to its high concentration of Vichy Thermal Mineralizing Water, is enriched with 15 key minerals, while its smooth, cool texture is great for hot summer days. Winter, on the other hand, can leave skin feeling parched as a result of indoor heating and extreme cold. While exfoliating is a great way of eliminating dry or flaky skin on the body, some exfoliants can be too harsh for delicate facial skin - meaning prevention is better than cure when looking to guard against dehydration. Layer a hydrating serum under your moisturiser to ensure you’re getting the extra moisture boost you need.

Whatever your age or skin type, Vichy’s Minéral 89 is a great addition to your daily skincare routine. Designed to give skin an extra dose of hydration as a first line of defence against external damage, Minéral 89 serum is rich in moisturising ingredients including glycerin, hyaluronic acid (LINK: What is hyaluronic acid in skincare?) and 89 per cent Vichy mineral-rich Thermal Mineralizing Water, to reinforce, regenerate and protect skin on a daily basis. Proven to strengthen and reinforce skin to help fight water loss, the high water content also means the serum has a light, fresh texture, suitable even for oilier skin types. Vichy Minéral 89’s lightweight, fresh texture and powerful hydrating abilities make it an ideal moisture boost. What’s more, can be worn on its own or under your usual day cream for an extra dose of moisture.

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